One of my favourite things about mixed media is that there are no strict rules—just layers, experimentation, and trusting the process. This page is all about building depth one step at a time, allowing each layer to peek through and become part of the final story. While the finished page features strong imagery and an encouraging message, it's really the techniques and layers underneath that make it come to life.
I always begin by preparing my surface with a coat of white gesso. This creates the perfect base for wet mediums, allowing the colours to stay vibrant while giving me the freedom to continue layering without the paper becoming overwhelmed.
For the background, I reached for two of my favourite Dina Wakley Media Gloss Sprays—Lapis and Blackberry. The rich blues and purples blend beautifully together, creating a dramatic backdrop while still leaving lighter areas for the eye to rest.
Once the sprays were completely dry, I started building texture with stamping. I used the Squared Up stamp set to create a loose grid of geometric patterns across the page. Rather than covering everything evenly, I stamped in clusters, leaving plenty of open space so each layer could breathe.
Next came one of my favourite layering elements—the Bold Collage Paper from Dina Wakley Media. I tore the paper into strips rather than cutting it with scissors, allowing the soft, feathered edges to blend naturally into the background. The torn edges soften the transition between the collage paper and the painted background while adding another level of texture.
With my background established, it was time to create the focal imagery. Using the Squared Up stamp set, I stamped several images onto cardstock so I could cut them out and move them around before committing to their placement. The beautiful "You Matter" quote also comes from this stamp set and became the heart of the page.
This is where I spend the most time—what I like to call the "tuck and play" stage. I begin by placing my strongest image first to establish the main focal point. From there, I build around it, tucking smaller elements underneath and shifting pieces until everything feels balanced.
If my background is particularly busy, I'll often crop duplicate stamped images into smaller sections. Instead of using the full face, I might focus on just an eye or another interesting detail. Repeating portions of the same image creates unity while allowing each section to stand out without competing against the background.
Once I was happy with the arrangement, I adhered everything using Dina Wakley Gel Medium. I love using gel medium because it gives me a little time to continue adjusting the layers until everything feels just right. To add another layer of texture and interest, I reached for my Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, securing some of the collage pieces with staples. The staples aren't just functional—they become part of the design, adding an industrial element that contrasts beautifully against the soft sprays and tissue paper.
To soften the transitions between layers, I added pieces of tissue paper, allowing some areas to disappear into the background while others remained more prominent. Tissue is one of those magical supplies that helps unify all the different elements without hiding the layers you've worked so hard to build.
Once everything was in place, I added a little extra energy with Lavender Dina Wakley Gloss Spray, flicking splatters across the page to tie the colours together and create movement.
For my final touches, I reached
for Dina Wakley Media Acrylic Paint to paint small squares and add loose, hand-drawn marks around the page. I almost always finish my work this way. While stamps and collage papers provide beautiful imagery, it's those handmade marks that truly make a page your own. They add movement, personality, and a little piece of the artist into every project. Those final scribbles, painted marks, and imperfect details are what transform a collection of products into something uniquely yours.
Mixed media isn't about covering what came before—it's about allowing every layer to contribute to the finished piece. Every spray, stamp, collage element, staple, paint mark, and splash of colour tells part of the story, creating a page filled with depth, texture, and meaning.
I hope this page inspires you to embrace the layering process, trust your instincts, and remember that sometimes the most beautiful details are the ones that are only partially revealed. Happy creating! 💜
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